BOULDER, CO – A report from Pike Research predicts that the volume of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) sales in the U.S. will reach 204,110 by 2015. In the U.S. and Canada, plug-in hybrids will represent 71 percent of all electric vehicle sales in 2015. By contrast, Pike forecasts greater battery-electric vehicle sales globally, with China taking the lead for that vehicle type.

In the U.S., Pike said consumers are still wary of the high up-front cost associated with PHEVs and that government incentives will continue to play a role in growing sales of this vehicle type. In addition, the report forecasts that U.S. consumers will prefer PHEVs due to their extended driving ranges and gasoline engines, ensuring the ability to fuel these vehicles.

“Electric vehicles have received a great deal of attention in recent months due to the launches of several high-profile vehicles,” says senior analyst Dave Hurst.  “The PEV market is already becoming a highly competitive market and over the next few years, the marketing initiatives of multiple manufacturers will help build consumer familiarity with, and drive adoption of, plug-in vehicles as a viable alternative to internal combustion engines.”